The Finnish flag flies on a flagpole as people watch the national flag‑raising ceremony at Tähtitorninmäki in Helsinki on Independence Day, 6 December 2025. Photo: Markku Ulander / Lehtikuva
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Finland observes its 108th Independence Day today with a full schedule of official ceremonies, national broadcasts, and a series of protests expected across Helsinki in the evening.
The day began with the traditional flag-raising ceremony at Tähtitorninmäki in Helsinki at 8:55. Shortly after 10:00, President Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb laid a wreath at the war heroes’ graves at Hietaniemi Cemetery.
Defence Forces will hold the national military parade in Kouvola later today.
The event, organised this year by the Finnish Army and the Karelia Brigade, includes a review of troops and a ceremonial march. Live broadcasts are planned across on TV1, Radio Suomi, Yle.fi and Yle Areena.
The evening will culminate with the annual Independence Day reception at the Presidential Palace. The reception, known as Linnan juhlat, will be hosted by President Stubb and his spouse. The event begins earlier than in previous years, with guests arriving from 18:15 onwards. Around 1,800 people are expected to attend, more than half of whom will be attending for the first time.
The presidential couple has chosen Missä muruseni on, performed by Jenni Vartiainen and the Guards Band, as their first dance. The afterparty will take place at Hotel Kämp and features performances by Finnish artists like JVG, Ellinoora, Lauri Haav and Olavi Uusivirta.
In parallel to the official celebrations, authorities are preparing for a number of public demonstrations in central Helsinki. Several protest marches and counter-demonstrations are expected in the evening, particularly around Töölö and Töölöntori. Among them are the “Helsinki without Nazis” protest and the 612 torchlight procession, which in past years has attracted participants from far-right groups.
The Helsinki Police Department confirmed that they have received advance notification for most demonstrations but not for all. They expect disruptions to traffic, especially between 15:00 and 21:00, and have advised the public to avoid unnecessary private car use during that period.
Police will restrict traffic in areas such as Senate Square, Kruununhaka, Katajanokka and Töölö. Roads including Pohjoisesplanadi and Mariankatu will face intermittent closures. Defence Forces and Border Guard vehicles will also be present in the capital to support public safety measures.
Organisers of the “Helsinki without Nazis” protest have planned to gather at Töölöntori around 18:00. The 612 march, which has been associated with nationalist groups, is expected to take place at the same time, raising concerns over potential clashes. Previous years have seen heightened tensions between the groups, and police are deploying extra re
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
